John Ortberg surprised me by describing sleep as a spiritual discipline. Really? Sabbath is a spiritual discipline, but sleep is different. To understand if it fits as a spiritual discipline, we need to understand what a spiritual discipline is.

I like this definition. Would getting adequate sleep help us to be more Christ-like, more godly as small group leaders? If so, it is a spiritual discipline.

Sleep Deprivation

The consequences of sleep deprivation can include:

Lack of focus

Poor decisions

Irritability

Reduced energy

Decreased memory

Each of these negative effects can make it difficult for you to lead your small group and certainly would not allow you to do it in a way that Jesus taught and modeled. For example, as members are answering questions, a lack of focus may keep you from asking good follow-up questions and send a signal that you are not interested in the conversation. Even your relationship with God can be affected.

Getting adequate sleep will help in eliminating these consequences. Sleep really is a spiritual discipline.

Get Some Sleep

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies insufficient sleep as a public health problem. The statistic that surprised me the most was in one study where 4.7% of adults said they nodded off or fell asleep while driving at least once in the previous month the survey was taken!

Get more sunlight throughout the day and no light of any kind when sleeping

Turn off electronic screens 90-min before bedtime

Set your thermostat cooler during sleep hours

Go to bed early and get up early

Dress appropriately for sleeping

If you need to adust your life to improve your sleep, consider getting a copy of the book and applying it. (Warning: One chapter in the book is on the sleep value of physical intimacy with your partner. If this will make you uncomfortable, please don’t read the book or at least skip chapter 9.)

Consider doing the 14-Day Sleep Makeover described in the back of the book. Let me know how it impacts your life, including leading a small group.

Question: How has your ability/inability to get adequate sleep affected your ability to lead a small group? You can leave a comment by clicking here.

About The Author

Roger Carr

Hi, my name is Roger Carr. I am a husband, father, Christian, business person, writer, and volunteer.
I have participated in and led several small groups over the past 30+ years. These small groups included those in churches, work settings, professional organizations, and nonprofit organizations.
I am currently supporting small group leaders at my local church by leading a small group of leaders as well as participating in a writing team and a leadership development team that develop small group leader materials.